Building Around Cooper: A Backward-Looking Thought Experiment

[KillerLeft]

Another hypothetical:

Locked On Mavs was discussing Giannis' gushing love for all things JKidd, and that it would not be surprising to see him requesting to be in Dallas.

Let's say the Mavs landed at pick #4. Would you trade #4, the Lakers pick, GS pick and the 2031 1st plus PJ, Gafford Max, Naji, Klay (note: some of them could be flipped by MIL) for Giannis and Turner? 

Let's not get bogged down in cap numbers. This is merely a question of if you could have a core of Kyrie, Cooper, Giannis, Turner, Lively and use of the full MLE would you do it?  Or does this reek of jumping the gun and doing another Tingus Pingus trade? 

I initially lean towards saying no and just building a young core for the long haul. But then I think about the new CBA and that there is no such thing as dynasties anymore. Even OKC, which appears to be an unstoppable juggernaut for a decade, now appears questionable because they're not going to be able to afford to build around their big 3, who are dealing with injuries. Basically, IF you feel you can make a title run with the right players, I think you have to consider it.

Thanks. I'll now hang up and listen.

Next to no interest in Giannis (or Turner) for me. If they were going to think that way, they should've rolled the dice and hung onto AD. I think what that trade represented was an acknowledgment that they're not going to be THAT good THAT soon. 

You always have to be open to opportunity and willing to pivot, but I think it's pretty clear their aim is to get younger, in general. I don't know if it was the right choice, but I'm happy they're not as paralyzed by analysis as I was feeling a few weeks ago.